Vaginismus silently affects 12 to 17% of women in Tunisia and across the Arab world. This phobia of penetration, so often taboo, nevertheless has effective solutions thanks to sophrology.
What exactly is vaginismus?
Vaginismus manifests as involuntary spasms of the peri-vaginal muscles. As a result, any penetration becomes impossible or painful. Consequently, the woman develops a genuine phobia that disrupts her sexuality.
Nevertheless, it is important to know that the women concerned can feel sexual desire. They can also reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation. Their sexuality, however, remains limited to "external" intercourse.
The different types of vaginismus
Primary vaginismus
First, primary vaginismus has always been there. It is generally a phobia of psychological origin.
Secondary vaginismus
Next, secondary vaginismus appears after a trauma. For example: a rape, a painful first sexual encounter, or rejection by a partner.
Organic vaginismus
Finally, certain physical causes can trigger this disorder. Notably: an episiotomy, a tear, or a gynaecological infection.
| Type of vaginismus | Origin |
|---|---|
| Primary | Has always been there; generally of psychological origin |
| Secondary | Appears after a trauma (rape, painful first sexual encounter, rejection by a partner) |
| Organic | Physical causes (episiotomy, tear, gynaecological infection) |
The impact of upbringing on vaginismus
In our Tunisian society, a strict religious upbringing sometimes shapes female sexuality. Indeed, when the pleasures of the body become taboo, fear takes hold. Moreover, the social opprobrium surrounding female sexuality makes the problem worse.
Sadly, many women face their wedding night in suffering. They then live their married life with intense physical and psychological pain.
The psychological consequences of vaginismus
A destructive vicious circle
On the one hand, the woman feels guilty for not having a "normal" sexuality. On the other, she develops poor self-esteem. Little by little, she avoids intimacy, which in turn triggers disorders of desire.
The urgency of motherhood
When the biological clock starts to press, vaginismus becomes even harder to live with. Being unable to conceive naturally reinforces feelings of failure.
Why does sophrology work against vaginismus?
Sophrology offers a holistic, gentle approach. This brief therapy makes it possible to:
- Release the anxiety linked to penetration
- Manage the fear of pain
- Develop the ability to let go
- Rebuild confidence in one's own female body
The sophrology protocol, step by step
Emergency curative phase
First of all, we work on the emergency. The aim is to calm the immediate anxiety and to manage the fear.
Reconstructive phase
Next, we gradually rebuild confidence. The patient learns to picture herself mentally in pain-free intercourse.
Integration phase
Finally, she integrates these new sensations so as to live her sexuality without fear or pain.
Important: multidisciplinary support
Please note: sophrology never replaces medical care. It comes in solely as a complement to support from a doctor and a psychiatrist.
On average, expect a minimum of 12 sessions, depending on how each patient progresses.
Conclusion
Vaginismus is not a life sentence. With tailored support combining medicine and sophrology, it is possible to regain a fulfilling sexuality. Do not hesitate to consult your family doctor, gynaecologist or psychiatrist, who will refer you to a qualified sophrologist.
About the author
Fériel Berraies, RNCP-certified sophrologist and hypnotherapist based in Paris, specialises in supporting people with sexual disorders. Contact: fbsophro@gmail.com - Website: www.feriel-berraies-therapeute.com
